As interest in data center development continues to expand across southwest Kansas, Grant County commissioners are seeking a closer look at how the facilities operate before any future proposals come before the county.
During their May 19 meeting, commissioners discussed the possibility of touring an operational data center to gain firsthand knowledge about the facilities and their potential impact on local communities.
According to discussion during the meeting, commissioners hope to better understand infrastructure requirements, power and water usage, workforce needs, economic impacts, regulatory considerations and other factors associated with large-scale data center operations.
County officials said a tour would help commissioners make informed decisions should future data center development proposals be considered within Grant County. If a tour is scheduled, advance notice will be provided to the public.
The discussion comes as data center projects have become an increasingly common topic across western Kansas, where communities are evaluating the economic opportunities and infrastructure demands associated with the growing industry.
In other business, commissioners heard several funding requests for the 2027 budget year.
Representatives from Compass Behavioral Health Center requested continued county support of $85,000, the same amount appropriated in 2026. Compass officials reported the organization serves approximately 5,500 individuals annually across 12 southwest Kansas counties and employs roughly 330 staff members. Services include crisis response programs, therapy and medication management, nursing home outreach and early childhood mental health initiatives.
The Grant County Museum requested a 2027 appropriation of $135,961, an increase of 10.7 percent from the previous year. Museum Director Ginger Anthony said the increase reflects the addition of property insurance costs for the museum building.
Grant County Chamber of Commerce Director Robin Leonard requested $25,000 in county funding for 2027, an increase of $10,000 from the previous year. Leonard also received approval from commissioners to utilize the fire station June 19-24 for the Race Across America event.
The Grant County Extension Service presented a proposed 2027 budget request of $198,333, a decrease of $1,667 from the prior year.
City on a Hill representatives requested $3,000 in county funding for substance abuse programs, an increase of $1,500 over the previous appropriation.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of an ABAC Honda air compressor from Southwest Kansas Sales for $3,290.99 for the Road and Bridge Department after reviewing five bids.
Additional actions included approving an airport T-hangar lease agreement with Wesley C. Nelson, appointing Alonzo Galindo to a three-year term on the Grant County Fair Board, and appointing Michael Tarbet to the Rodeo Board.
The board approved the hiring of a new part-time EMS employee, three seasonal rehires and two wage increases for the Road and Bridge Department, and two seasonal rehires and one new seasonal employee for the Civic Center.
Commissioners also approved a $500 donation to support the Grant County Chamber's Fourth of July fireworks display.
The board adjourned at 1:37 p.m. and met again June 2 at 9 a.m
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